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Ramya Vivekanandan's avatar

I'm new there though I remember you writing a food column for the Washington Post years back? I was very moved by this essay, especially as I lost my own kid brother last year, in tragic circumstances. Sibling relationships can be so fraught and complex - it's lovely that the shape of yours has evolved over the years and that you were able to enjoy this special time together. Thanks for sharing it with us!

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Hi Ramya! Yes, that's me -- I hosted a cooking chat for 10 years on WaPo and wrote a blog for three or so years. I'm so glad you found your way here. And my condolences for your loss. Yes, there have been shifts over the past few decades-- in fits + starts. And I am hoping to keep breaking ground with our other brother.

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DTilstra's avatar

Such a loving tribute to not only a sibling but to your father. He must have been so special.

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Diane, thank you for reading + for seeing.

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Karla McDuffie's avatar

Whoosh. "How long does a lifetime last? If one stops to consider, it is like a single night’s lodging at a wayside inn. Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit? Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized."

--Nichiren, 1263

You have such tremendous good fortune, Kim. You've found and prize what is most important in life. I'm so happy reading about "sibling awakening." Wishing the same for all siblings.

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Dear Karla,

It does feel rich. Fortuitous. I'm grateful. Taking it in. And I'm with you -- may all siblings find peace with one another.

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Greta MacRae's avatar

I hope for a time when my siblings and I can share something like that. Right now. Not happening and I miss them.

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Greta, I hope that for you, too. Only in past year are things opening up with my other brother. Crumb by crumb we go.

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Maryn McKenna's avatar

I teared up for you. How fortunate you are.

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Maryn, thanks for checking in. I do feel fortunate that we didn’t lose our way, that we made it, even if it took a long time.

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Julie Buorna Whitehorn's avatar

Gulp. Beautiful.

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Thank you, Julie!

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Mitch Story's avatar

I sure did. 😢

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Kim O'Donnel's avatar

Mitch! Xo

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